Southie Rules

The A&E network will roll-out a new reality show later this month that supposedly shows viewers “real life” in Southie; one of Boston’s working class, Irish enclaves that in recent years has seen an influx of young professionals.

I have no doubt many in the area will beam with pride because a cable network channel will broadcast what I assume will be stereotypical “characters” to scripted dramas manufactured more for ratings than any concern for reality. Funny, I thought shows like Real Housewives and Jersey Shore were waning in popularity – perhaps not.

My lack of interest in this latest un-reality program turned to disdain when I saw The Boston Globe had listed a series of promo ads from A&E. One of the promos meant to be a put-down to NYC “Nobody tells us how big our soda should be” sounds as if it came directly from a NYC advertising agency. Anyone who has lived their life in Southie will tell you Soda, Pop, Coke… is all called one thing in Boston — Tonic. Get your colloquialisms correct or “Póg Mo Thón”.

8 responses to “Southie Rules”

If you would like to show what a really Southie family is like, send me an email. I am casting for a new family game show and we are looking for a great Boston Family. Chance to win up to $25,000! Email: familyroomcasting@gmail.com

I was born in Boston and have lived here my whole life. I have never used the word tonic – I always use the word “soda”. I hardly ever hear the word tonic being used, although it is possible that it is used by some. I agree about “wicked” though. Totally a Boston word.

Many of my relatives never say the word “wicked” either but in both cases you’d be hard pressed to convince me that if you are creating a show around families from Boston that these wouldn’t be considered part of the vernacular.

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